South Dakota Chapter Activities
Article Body
The South Dakota Chapter encourages pediatricians to apply fluoride varnish to children's teeth in their offices. Medicaid reimbursement is approved for this service.
Payers and Oral Health in Primary Care
Private payers are now paying pediatricians and other primary care providers for some oral health services administered in the medical home. This includes payment for fluoride varnish application following the United States Preventive Task Force recommendations around the service (B grade preventive service to be provided without cost sharing to all children 5 (through 6th birthday) and under in the primary care office).
Medicaid
reimburses pediatricians and other primary care providers for application of
fluoride varnish and some states also reimburse for completing a risk
assessment as well as an oral screening, providing oral education, and
providing caregivers with a dental referral. Fluoride varnish application is
reimbursed in addition to the office visit for children 5 (through 6th
birthday) and under in the primary care office.
In addition, fluoride varnish treatments are now on the
Bright Futures periodicity schedule, further promoting that pediatricians should focus on integrating this 45- to 60-second procedure into their practices and strengthening their oral health messaging to families.
To find out more about private payers and oral health in your state please contact your
Chapter or your
Chapter Pediatric Council (many Chapters have pediatric councils which is a forum to engage private payers on pediatric issues). Medicaid programs and private payers have varying payment policies for oral health. This grid provides information for each state.
Chapter Oral Health Advocate
We are currently seeking a COHA in South Dakota. Please email Oral Health to inquire about this position.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Public Policy Advocate